Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few wholesome ingredients. It’s naturally sweetened, packed with fresh flavors, and offers a delightful balance of crisp textures. Plus, it’s a nutritious choice loaded with vitamins and fiber, making it great for a quick energy boost or a light meal accompaniment.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Note: The recipe you provided only lists the dressing ingredients. Typically, this salad would include fresh apples, shredded carrots, and dried cranberries or fresh cranberries to complete the dish. If you’d like, I can add those common ingredients and quantities for a fuller recipe.

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
2. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour the dressing over a bowl of shredded carrots, diced apples, and cranberries.
4. Toss everything gently to coat the fruit and vegetables evenly with the dressing.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe typically serves 4 people as a side dish.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
No cooking required.

Variations

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Mix in raisins or dried cherries in place of cranberries.
• Substitute apple cider vinegar with lemon juice for a different tang.
• Include a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a fresh twist.
• Use grated ginger in the dressing for a bit of warmth and spice.

Storage/reheating

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples and carrots will remain crisp if stored properly. This salad is best served chilled and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh or dried?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the salad.

What type of apples work best in this salad?

Crisp varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up well and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart.

Can I make this salad in advance?

Yes, but for best texture, add the dressing just before serving to prevent the carrots and apples from becoming soggy.

Is maple syrup a good substitute for honey?

Absolutely, maple syrup works well and keeps the recipe vegan-friendly.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Yes, thinly sliced celery or bell peppers add extra crunch and flavor.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

Toss them in a little lemon juice before mixing into the salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add protein to make it a meal?

Adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or nuts can turn this salad into a more filling dish.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

White wine vinegar or lemon juice can be used as alternatives.

Can this salad be frozen?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of apples and carrots will degrade once thawed.

Conclusion

The Refreshing Apple Cranberry Carrot Salad is a simple, nutritious, and flavorful dish that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. Whether as a side or a snack, it delivers crisp textures and a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes. Quick to prepare and versatile to customize, it’s a great recipe to keep in your collection for any season.

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